Rowan Drake’s newest single, “Elephant In The Room” is a trio of emotional heartache; folding regret, sorrow and pity into one. The self-reflecting ballad addresses him losing the one person he cares about the most because of his negligence during the relationship. By the time he realizes what he has done, it is too late to save it. Love and memories have already begun to uncontrollably slip through his fingers, forcing the relationship to expire. The song shows him trying to ignore the truth, despite its colossal appearance. Soaked in lamentable acceptance and poignant vulnerability, the song rings out a hard lesson learned: your choices, or lack thereof, have repercussions. Like the aftermath of a stone thrown across still water, Rowan’s passionate vocals have a ripple effect on the lyrics’ solemnity, heavily conveying his distress in the chorus, “My love, our world has split in two/ I’ve given all I have but still, I’ll find a way/ And I’ll just suffocate as you ignore/ The elephant in the room.” The production provides a strong structure for the words, with the soft caress of acoustic guitar strums, heart-pounding drums and the whirlwind of voice reverb. Though the instrumentation portrays a glum appearance, the ending shows a bittersweet picture as the words, “You stare into space/ And I just fade away” softly disappear into thin air, allowing nothing but his pain to echo on. Rowan Drake was not always an aspiring musician. Growing up in Ithaca New York, his dream was to become a professional snowboarder. Unfortunately, this plan was thrown off course from an unprecedented injury. Switching lanes, he decided to pursue music, moving to LA and signing a record deal with Atlantic Records/Arthouse. There is a reason why his path was directed toward the industry, as he has since released six singles and quickly garnered over 20k followers on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. With his high engagement on social media and dedication to his musical craft, Rowan Drake is quickly becoming a star in the making. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW ROWAN DRAKE:

Sometimes the greatest peace can be found in letting go. Listening to the judgement of others can easily eat away you; however, there is so much more to life than the opinions of your peers. Second Thought’s new single, “somebody to talk about” tackles this topic of not caring what people think about you and gaining self-confidence. The tune oozes coming-of-age vibes, with upbeat instrumentation and lyrics unbothered in nature, depicting self-growth. For instance, the lines, “You forgive to forget, and dwell until you’re gone” and “The limits of life aren’t just what you know” communicate the idea that overly negative people often detract from your happiness and life enjoyment. The emotional sentiments present in "somebody to talk about" as well as its beautiful instrumentation and vocals make it both an enchanting and profound work of art. “somebody to talk about” is opened with glistening guitar lines and playful drums. The simple yet beautiful instrumentation brings a whimsical element to the tune. The song’s exuberant vocals are clear and high-pitched yet masculine. Haunting, female vocalizations are dispersed throughout the track, adding unique touches of ethereal and otherworldly components. The inclusion of acoustic guitar gives “somebody to talk about” that perfect tinge of folk, ushering in the listener nostalgia. The single’s dance evoking chorus contains a fast-paced, lively rhythm and meaningful lyricism. Based in Hertfordshire, Second Thoughts is an alternative indie-pop band consisting of four members, Clara Freeman-Taylor (bassist and vocalist), Jude McCreath (rhythm guitarist and vocalist), Ben Campbell (lead guitarist and vocalist) and David Addison (drummer). The group made their musical debut in 2019 with the bedroom-pop inspired single, “wonderhow”. Some of their biggest hits include “nicotine stains”, “another guy” and “parachute” which amassed over 3.5 million streams on Spotify alone. In fact, Second Thoughts has reached mass success on Spotify, garnering over 162k monthly listeners and receiving support from numerous editorial playlists such as “Noisy”, “All New Rock”, “undercurrents” and “New Music Friday UK”. The first single released from Second Thoughts’ up and coming EP, “FLUKE”, titled “how would you know” has reached over 44k streams on Spotify and 8.3k views on its official music video. Luckily for fans, Second Thoughts has more great hits on the way, with their EP, “FLUKE” having four more beautifully crafted indie-rock tracks coming soon. Written By Julia Hooper FOLLOW SECOND THOUGHTS:

It's easy to fall into the trap of being a hard-core pessimist. When you constantly think things are going to turn out horribly, it's tempting to self-sabotage. You expect the worst from others. You get into relationships thinking they're going to fall apart, even before anything happens. You end up thinking you're better off alone. That's what dee holt's new single, "Better," is about. It's about that unconscious, self-sabotaging cycle thoughts like these create, thinking you're "better left behind." dee holt delivers perfect alt-pop vibes with "Better." The guitar-driven background accompanies dee holt's moody vocals, creating a mysterious atmosphere. She delivers each line of the song with a crisp softness, adding to the gloomy feel of the song. The lyrics of "Better" reflect the bitter reality of self-sabotage. dee holt sings "Oh you're gonna leave a scar, break my heart feels like we’ll tear apart," reflecting the feeling that things will fall apart before anything really begins. Between the vocals, dark lyrics, and the background music, "Better" showcases a sultry sound that is reminiscent of Billie Eilish and Charlotte Lawrence. "Better" is an impressive follow-up to the single, "Sober," and signals more music that we can expect from the rising alt-pop star. dee holt's love for music began at a young age. From singing along with her dad's guitar in VHS home videos to performing at family gatherings, she never thought it would turn into a career. That soon changed after dee holt formed a creative bond with a local producer, Benjamin Nadeau, and her first two singles landed on Spotify's LOREM playlist. Her momentum kept going and in 2022, she signed with Nettwerk Music Group. She released her EP, When I Close My Eyes, achieving millions of streams, numerous playlist covers, and amazing reviews. dee holt is currently in college, studying art and animation at her university. She designs all her own artwork and directs her own music videos, giving a full, authentic look into her creativity. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW DEE HOLT:

Saige’s, Emulsify , is a pop song that adorably reflects on feeling comfortable and having such a strong bond with your other half in a relationship that you sometimes just want to combine and become one. Emulsify is a word used to describe two different liquids being mixed together, but not fully combining. There are separate particles still visible, making it known that they are not one liquid, but two of their own. They just happen to be sharing each other's company at the moment. This is where Saige got the idea for the name of this song, and she shares that a moment with her person was the inspiration behind the song title. She states that when she got into a relationship, it felt very calm and slow. They moved in together and she went from disliking the feeling of being a homebody, to always wanting to stay in because she enjoyed her person's company so much. She describes the cute moment saying, “ If you look very closely, some particles of them both remain separate - much like people in relationships. I like that idea. We'd joke about us melting onto the couch together.” These two were stuck to each other like glue and loved each other's presence and company so much that they sometimes felt like wanting to melt into each other. Because they are both their own individuals, it just wasn't realistic. It is super cute to joke around about though. The song immediately starts off sounding dreamy and angelic. She goes on about forgetting everything and everyone around them, and only wanting to “ stare in space ”, “quit the race” and emulsify with her other half. You can hear the drums and guitar in the instrumental, along with it giving off a vibe of being on cloud 9. The instrumental sounds as if it’s just these two love birds on Earth alone, not having to worry about anything or anyone around them. They’re the only people around each other and that’s all they need. It's a world that they don’t wanna leave. This song is incredibly dreamy and her beautiful vocals that you can catch in the instrumental are so warm. It then starts to get quieter and close out towards the end of the song. Saige is an alternative-pop artist from Dublin, Ireland . Emulsify was released a little over a week ago on January 27th. This single is going to be on her upcoming EP titled, “ Sparks .” Although she hasn’t released many songs yet, Emulsify clearly showcases that Saige is a force. Her heartfelt, nostalgic and dreamy vibes, along with her angelic voice and intimate lyrics show that her upcoming EP is one to definitely look forward to and be excited about. Check out Saige’s new single, Emulsify , now, and make sure to keep an eye out for the " Sparks" EP! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW SAIGE:

Dealing with a toxic ex is annoying. Especially when you finally start to heal. The feelings you once had for them all start washing back in and it feels almost like you're losing every bit of progress made since they left. How dare this person come back right when the healing began. Why is this person so bent on hurting you even more? These are the questions Esthy’s single How Dare You Come Back is asking. This song reflects how confusing and hurtful it can be when an ex returns. How Dare You Come Back focuses on Esthy's annoyance after the unwanted appearance of an ex. Everything a person would want to say in a situation like this; is said in this dreamy pop track. The driving force behind any good song is the producer. Esthy’s talent for mixing instrumentals shines brightly on this track. The production is so simple yet so perfect. Infusing 808s with a single piano chord reflects the conflicted feelings Esthy has when their ex returns. She is confused and irritated but feels slightly relieved to see this person again. “How dare you call me while I’m still hung up,” Is a line in the chorus that showcases the internal conflict Esthy is feeling. “How dare you” insinuate that she's upset; but still hung up, giving the opposite idea. She still wants the person around her even though she knows how badly they hurt her. The need to grow beyond the relationship is still there but the relapse is a part of her journey. Esthy does a remarkable job crafting these themes in her song. Both the production and the lyrics play off of each other in such an interesting and relatable way. As a person who has experienced similar conflicts, this track is a raw and honest listen. Esthy is a force to be reckoned with. This Hungary-born, Los Angeles-based artist has a star-studded catalog of tracks she has written and produced; not only for herself but for major artists as well. She has been writing music since she was 12 years old and even released a stand-out EP at 14! Esthy’s music has even been featured on a few television shows. She has a knack for creating some of the dreamiest pop songs you could listen to. The instrumentals are always a joy to submerge yourself in and the vocals complement them wonderfully. Esthy is someone who many would consider a master of everything. Filmmaking, music writing, and producing all in one talented artist. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW ESTHY:

"Chloe (TOBER & CharlieWonder Remix)" is an upbeat rendition of "Chloe," a record by the LA-based production group, Two Friends, featuring pop-punk singer Jutes. In "Chloe," Jutes grows in affection for Chloe, someone he recently met through a one-night stand. Curious about their feelings towards him, Jutes questions whether it'd be wise to reach out and pursue a more serious relationship. However, aware of the possibility his feelings aren't mutual, Jutes is ready to wish he'd never shared an intimate moment with Chloe if necessary. But dealing with the pressure of his mom asking for Chloe, aside from his lingering thoughts of her, Jutes wants closure, regardless of the outcome, to put his heart at rest. In "Chloe (TOBER & CharlieWonder Remix)," TOBER and CharlieWonder leave the original message unchanged while sonically providing listeners with a new perspective on Jutes's dilemma. "Chloe (TOBER & CharlieWonder Remix)” is a radio-ready song that spans two minutes and thirty-nine seconds. The short duration of the remix is a result of an increase in tempo from the original "Chloe," which is slower by about 26 BPM. While the original utilizes guitar to drive the song forward before incorporating rhythmic elements, the remix heavily consists of piano, synth bass, and a steady percussive pulse. As the remix transitions from one section to another, the pulse continues through melodic instruments, such as the piano, while new percussion appears and adds grit and volume. Once reaching the chorus section, the remix provides a substantial amount of energy to the original Two Friends record. And while "Chloe" by Two Friends may be more suitable for cruising at night or playing in the lobby of your favorite fast-food restaurant, the remix is a banger to raise a solo cup to while being unapologetically emotional about a recent one-night stand. CharlieWonder and TOBER are DJs/producers from Denver, Colorado. Over the past two years, they have significantly grown in popularity within the dance music scene, amassing over 150,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. As long-time supporters of TOBER, DJ/producer duo, Two Friends, based in Los Angeles, California, locked in with him and CharlieWonder for their latest single, "Chloe (TOBER & CharlieWonder Remix)." Since the single's release in January of 2023, it has reached over 300,000 streams on the Spotify platform. Despite the achievement, CharlieWonder and TOBER remained dedicated considering the release of their single "Stereo (CharlieWonder and TOBER Remix)" later that month. While Two Friends has already solidified their spot in the music industry since 2014, CharlieWonder and TOBER are persistent, consistent, and on a clear path towards building their personal success story. Written By Jeffrey Ade FOLLOW TWO FRIENDS: FOLLOW TOBER: FOLLOW CHARLIEWONDER:

Being strung along by someone really sucks, even when they don't even realize they're doing it. 'Playing With Fire' by Alex Néva plays out the scenario of still being in love with someone you used to date but now are friends with. You know in your heart and soul that it's wrong to let them keep on toying with your feelings, but you have trouble letting go. You now realize maybe being friends wasn't the best idea, and it hurts you to watch them move on while you're still holding onto old feelings. Getting over someone you're in love with is one of the hardest things we have to face as human beings. Sometimes we put ourselves in denial just so we don't have to feel that pain. You know deep down you need to learn to live without them, but you just can't help yourself. The dark pop rhythm and Hip-Hop influenced beat are accompanied by haunting piano. Minor chords set the tone for this emotional alt. pop banger. Alex's voice is lovely but strong and direct while she tells us the tragic tale that is loving someone you can't have. Her vocal tone is bright, yet soulful at the same time. The story-telling in this song is heart wrenching and may remind you of a love you once had as well. When you think of playing with fire, you think about running the risk of getting burned. The build in this song creates an experience that causes you to feel the heat getting closer and closer the longer you wait to let go. Alex Néva is a Greek and Russian pop artist currently based in Norway. Her style is compared to Billie Eilish, Tate McRae and BANKS with her mixture an alt. pop and lyrically driven soundscapes; but she is personally inspired by household names like Britney Spears and Destiny's Child. Though music has been an important part of her life since a young age, Alex released her debut single, 'Gone (are the days)' in September 2022. 'Playing With Fire' is her second single and first song of 2023. Like many artist, Alex has used her music as an outlet for her emotions. She writes about her personal experiences and hopes that others can listen an relate. She aims to help others by using her music to let others know they're not alone. You can read our interview with Alex here and give her a follow on her socials below! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ALEX:

The lyrics of "Arrived" are so moving and beautiful. What was your inspiration behind this song? Nicolette: At the time I wrote "Arrived" I was very inspired by the imagery and storytelling of "All Too Well" by Taylor Swift. I had been wanting to share my experience with my breakup and decided the best way to encapsulate the intense emotions would be by taking the listener with me on the story of the last car ride and sharing the sights, feelings, and thoughts that all occurred throughout What would you like fans to take away from this song? Nicolette: I hope my fans can find comfort in my words; as we all go through heartbreak in some form, and while it may be difficult to let go and feel the feelings, they can find solice in knowing they aren't alone. You were born in Gainesville, Florida but relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina in order to pursue your music career. How do you feel the music scenes differ between both places? Nicolette: For me, the music scene in Charlotte feels very tight-knit. I feel a sense of family and immense support. Florida has a wide range of artistic talents and styles which was great for helping me try many different styles until I found what seems most fitting for me as an artist and individual. You've been writing songs for many years now. Aside from "Arrived," which song of yours is your favorite? Nicolette: I have been writing songs for over 15 years now (since the age of seven). My favorite song that I've written to date is an unreleased song (which I'm planning to release in a future project) called "Madman." If you could work with any other musician, alive or dead, who would it be? Nicolette: The artist I would love to work with would be Taylor Swift. I'm so inspired by her music in every aspect, and she has been a huge influence on the artist I am today. What are your musical bucket list goals for this year? Nicolette: I have so many goals for this year, but the ones I'm really working for are an EP and/or Album, doing an Album/EP release tour, solidifying my style, sound, and brand, and collaborating with several artists. Interviewed By Tessa Brainard FOLLOW NICOLETTE:

“My Drugs” is a pop-infused ballad about the struggles of addiction to a person, and how obsession can run your life into the ground. Samantha Franks’ vocals are raw and emotional, her voice filled with a powerful blend of vulnerability and strength, singing about how her world is entirely dictated by one person. The haunting melody stays with you moments after the song is finished, replaying over and over again just as Franks describes the person who runs in her head, over and over again. One of the most impressive aspects of the song is the way Samantha’s voice seems to grow in power and intensity with each passing verse, her raw and emotionally charged delivery a testament to her incredible talent as a singer. The simplistic, stripped-down production only serves to highlight the depth of Franks’ voice: the instrumentation is atmospheric and haunting, providing a perfect backdrop to the story she’s telling. Samantha Franks is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter based in LA. Alongside her sister Melia Franks, the duo has been making music all their lives, though it’s only recently that Samantha has begun splitting off into her own path. Her sister returns to back her up on her latest single, “My Drug”, and you can clearly see the years of partnership and teamwork those two have crafted to perfection. Franks’ talent is undeniable, and her path will only shine for brighter and brighter things - start your year off by listening to her most recent and bombastic single. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW SAMANTHA:

If you find comfort in solitude with your partner. If you’d choose to be alone with them over going out. Mary And The Sharks can sympathize. In her new song, “I Don’t Care (If You Don’t Care)” the idea of staying in with your partner and just vibing is the main focus. “I Don’t Care” is a track riddled with unique familiarity, a new twist on the classic alternative pop sound. Mixing the classic sounds of the 90s with the entrancing sounds of the future, Mary And The Sharks has managed to place themselves in a completely different genre, not quite alt pop but not quite alt rock. Her sound is raw and drenched with club inspired production. Click here to listen to I Don’t Care (If You Don’t Care) Her premier track “Heavy Head" carried a similar vibe to this one. Syncopated bass beats with vibrant choruses that mimic a melancholic dance record. It enchants you with its originality. The song begins with a muted bass drum hit ringing through rhythmically. This is immediately accompanied by the decadent and romantic vocals. Their lyrical prowess draws you in instantly. the opening lyrics set the tone for this sultry track “another fucked up night with people we don’t like I’d rather be alone with you” Lyrics like this place the listener into the right space of consciousness. Anyone can enjoy this song but putting yourself in the headspace of an introverted couple that thrives off escaping the world together makes for an incredible listening experience. Berlin-based singer/songwriter Mary And The Sharks released their debut song, 'Heavy Head' in 2019. Spending the last few years writing for other artists, she decided it was time to continue her own discography and released her second song, I Don't Care (If You Don't Care). Being inspired by growing up in the 90s, Mary And The Sharks sound is described as the 'fusion of old and new - analog and digital'. If you're a fan of 90s nostalgia, make sure to give Mary And The Sharks a follow below and keep up with her journey. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW MARY AND THE SHARKS:

I really enjoyed "Changes"! What was your favorite part about creating this song? Ozie: My favorite part of creating "Changes'' was the creative freedom and the liberty I set up for myself; there was absolutely no restricting the creative process or putting myself in a box. In the past I had set myself up to fit a mold, a style, or genre. This was just me pushing myself to produce a track from the heart. It was in the middle of the Covid lockdowns, so I had to get creative with the vocal section. I wrote the track first so the music speaks for itself. But to answer your question, my favorite part about creating this song was the sound design. My mind thinks in a very musical-Industrial-layering way but I delivered that in a more Pop structure. You were first exposed to music by learning about bands like AC/DC being "Devil music" in church. How old were you at the time and what was your first thought about that teaching? Ozie: Oh that memory is one of my most memorable! ::laughs:: I want to say I was about 9 years old. I was brought up in a bubble so all I was allowed to listen to was Christian music and Christmas carols… So hearing that haunting church bell on “Hell’s Bells” intro, the melody on that guitar riff and then that steady bass did it for me! I was hooked. I soon later got a hold of a Metallica’s Black album and a Slayer record. ::laughs:: I went in deep.. But those are my musical roots. Today I love everything. Especially electronic music, I’m a huge Nine Inch Nails fan but also grew up on Tiesto. Beautiful Things by Tiesto Feat. Andain is still one of my all time favorite dance songs. *You've been producing, DJing, and working on projects for other artists under different aliases throughout the years. How do you feel these combined experiences have made you a better artist? Ozie: Well it's definitely been a long hard road I got to say… ::sighs:: It’s given me a broad perpective and an insight into the music world from a different angle. You have a kid who grew up strictly on Christian music, dive into the metal rock world to end up spinning nothing but top 40’s hip hop and dance music. Overall I've gotten to experience many different music scenes, collabortated with different types of musicians of all walks of life. The best part has been to grow musically and creativly not having any boundries. In my opinion, a true artist has no restrictions with what colors he paints with and just creates. For me the magic didn’t start happening till I started to let go. Just create. What is your favorite memory of working in the Black Metal/Industrial scene in Los Angeles? Ozie: Oh boy, this question! The time I convinced a local venue to let me throw a mini festival because I was tired of the “pay to play’ on the Sunset Strip idea... So I got several bands together, local artists, pole dancers and live bondage performers with local Dj’s and a photo booth. I had two stages and the opportunity to headline and showcase my band at the time. It featured some of the most experimental crossover metal bands with electronic elements here in L.A.. We covered everything from Industrial metal, Symphonic metal, Goth rock to just noise. It was definitely a fun night and one that I’ll always remember. What is the best part about working in the electronic music scene now? Ozie: The best part for me is that I can do it alone or collaborate with different artists without the restriction of dealing with the band aspect. Don’t get me wrong I love playing in a band setting. I’m just at a point in my life and level where I can be more creative in so many ways on my own. I love sound design, synths and being able to layer sounds and melodies. Somewhat like a classical composition but with electronic music elements. I love how you can mix different genres together and crossover in different worlds. I also love the light shows and the amazing people I’ve met. Love and Light is how I would describe it. What advice can you give to artists who are trying to find their artistic voice? Ozie: To answer your question you just have to go for it! Don’t hold back, stay true to yourself, create from the heart, set your soul loose and let your spirit shine. Don’t try to be someone else. Be you. Interviewed By Tessa Brainard FOLLOW OZIE:

I really enjoyed listening to "Neon"! What message would you like listeners to take away from this track? Night Acclaim: I want my listeners to remember to cherish and value the most important friendships of their lives. These special friendships are the ones that stand the test of time. Time or distance can affect the friendship. It is steadfast and strong with a bond that is unbreakable. "Neon" is your second collaboration with Myah Marie! What is the best part about working with her? Night Acclaim: Myah is the utmost professional. She is so easy to work with and her voice is bright and captivating. Hearing her sing, leads me back to her time and time again. If Neon had a music video, what would you want it to look like? Night Acclaim: If Neon had a music video it would start at the playground at my former grammar school where I met my best friend. We would flash through different parts of my life highlighting the epic memories throughout our friendship. Where did the name "Night Acclaim" come from? Night Acclaim: The name Night Acclaim came from two different areas. Night comes from me being a night owl and Acclaim comes from people hyping me up about my music. If you could work with any musician, who would you choose and what would you want the final product to sound like? Night Acclaim: If I could work with any musician, it would be Qveen Herby. I love Qveen Herby's unique sound of rap and funky R&B. The final product would be a dope pop rap song with Qveen's vocals all throughout the track! When you're not working on music, what do you like to do? Night Acclaim: When I am not working on music, I am at school or work, or hanging out with my friends. I also love to experiment with different cuisines both locally and when I travel. Interviewed By Tessa Brainard FOLLOW NIGHT ACCLAIM: